Cap having expansible back

ABSTRACT

A cap comprises a crown being conjoined at a front end with a visor and at a back end with an expansible portion. The expansible portion extends substantially along the entire rear cap periphery and is attached to the crown substantially between opposite ends of the visor. The expansible portion incorporates an elastic band and is configured to resiliently accommodate different user head sizes.

BACKGROUND

To accommodate the demand for various user head sizes, cap manufacturerstypically produce and maintain a large inventory of a variety of capsizes at relatively high cost. Within each cap size, caps can be madeadjustable by the inclusion of an elastic band around the rear of thecrown portion. The elastic band is typically secured beneath the fabricof the crown portion. The secured elastic band, however, tends to causeparts of the crown portion of the cap to ride up and down on the hair ofthe user resulting in a generally uncomfortable fit.

Caps can also be made adjustable by the provision of a cutout at therear end of the crown portion. The crown cutout allows for drawing theleft and right halves of the crown portion together via an adjustmentstrap. The adjustment strap is suspended around the rear of the crownportion and across the crown cutout. Straps of this kind typicallyinclude Velcro™-type fasteners for head size adjustment. Some users,unfortunately, refrain from wearing caps with rear adjustment straps forcomfort reasons.

The rear crown portion of some caps is made from stretchable materialsto accommodate various head sizes. However, overall shape deformationand unsightly appearance during use may be associated with such caps.Various other cap configurations have been introduced in the market overthe years with largely the same results.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are generally directed to a caphaving an expansible back.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the cap comprises acrown being conjoined at a front end with a visor and at a back end withan expansible portion. The expansible portion extends substantiallyalong the entire rear cap periphery and is attached to the crownsubstantially between opposite ends of the visor. The expansible portionis configured to resiliently accommodate different user head sizes.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the cap comprises acrown being conjoined at a front end with a visor and at a back end withan expansible portion. The expansible portion extends substantiallyalong the entire rear cap periphery and is attached to the crownsubstantially between opposite ends of the visor. The expansible portionis configured to resiliently accommodate different user head sizes. Theexpansible portion includes an outer peripheral edge adapted to followthe contours of the front end of the crown. The outer peripheral edgeresides substantially in the same plane as the front end of the crown.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the capcomprises a crown being conjoined at a front end with a visor and at aback end with an elongated expansible portion. The elongated expansibleportion extends substantially along the entire rear cap periphery and isattached to the crown substantially between opposite ends of the visor.The elongated expansible portion is configured to resilientlyaccommodate different user head sizes. The elongated expansible portionincludes an outer peripheral edge being disposed at a lower elevationthan the front end of the crown.

These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent from areview of the accompanying drawings and the following detaileddescription of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is generally shown by way of reference to the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a cap being worn by a user inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a back perspective view of the cap of FIG. 1 as being worn bya user;

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the cap of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a cap being worn by a user inaccordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a back perspective view of the cap of FIG. 4 as being worn bya user; and

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the cap of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings is intended as a description of exemplary embodiments and isnot intended to represent the only forms in which the exemplaryembodiments may be constructed and/or utilized. The description setsforth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing andoperating the exemplary embodiments in connection with the illustratedembodiments. However, it is to be understood that the same or equivalentfunctions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodimentsthat are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

Some embodiments of the invention will be described in detail withreference to the related drawings of FIGS. 1-6. Additional embodiments,features and/or advantages of the invention will become apparent fromthe ensuing description or may be learned by practicing the invention.In the figures, the drawings are not to scale with like numeralsreferring to like features throughout both the drawings and thedescription.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a cap 10 being worn by a user 12in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Cap10 includes a crown 14 being conjoined at a front end 15 with a visor16. Crown 14 is configured to provide a partial close-fitting coveringfor the head of user 12 (FIGS. 1-2). Crown 14 may be constructed from aplurality of fabric sections sewn together to form a partial coveringfor the forehead, temples, and upper head portion of user 12.Alternatively, crown 14 may be fabricated from an appropriatelyconfigured contiguous piece of flexible material.

Crown 14 is conjoined at a generally arcuate back end 17 with anexpansible portion 18 (FIG. 1-3) which incorporates an elastic band.Expansible portion 18 extends substantially along the entire rearperiphery of cap 10, as generally depicted in FIG. 2. Specifically,expansible portion 18 is attached to crown 14 substantially betweenopposite ends of visor 16. For example, right terminal section 20 ofexpansible portion 18 is conjoined to crown 14 at the right terminal end22 of visor 16, as generally illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3. In the samemanner, although not particularly shown in FIGS. 1-3, the left terminalsection of expansible portion 18 is conjoined to crown 14 at the leftterminal end of visor 16, respectively.

Expansible portion 18 includes outer peripheral edge 24 which generallyfollows the contours of front end 15 of crown 14, as generally depictedin FIG. 3. Outer peripheral edge 24 resides substantially in the sameplane as front crown end 15 when cap 10 is not being worn by a user,i.e. serves as a stretchable rear peripheral edge of cap 10. Arcuateback end 17 of crown portion 14 generally delineates the upper visibleboundary of expansible portion 18.

When cap 10 is worn by users of various head sizes, expansible portion18 stretches accordingly to accommodate comfortably the same regardlessof whether visor 16 is placed on the front (FIG. 1) or back (FIG. 2) ofthe user's head. Cap 10 automatically adjusts itself to a particularuser's head size and provides, generally, a superior fit for the userwhen compared with conventional caps.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a cap 30 being worn by a user 32in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. Cap 30 includes a crown 34 being conjoined at a front end 35with a visor 36. Crown 34 is configured to provide a partialclose-fitting covering for the head of user 32 (FIGS. 4-5). Crown 34 maybe constructed from a plurality of fabric sections sewn together to forma partial covering for the forehead, temples, and upper head portion ofuser 32. Alternatively, crown 34 may be fabricated from an appropriatelyconfigured contiguous piece of flexible material.

Crown 34 is conjoined at a generally arcuate back end 37 with anelongated expansible portion 38 (FIG. 4-6) which incorporates an elasticband. Elongated expansible portion 38 extends substantially along theentire rear periphery of cap 30, as generally depicted in FIG. 5.Specifically, elongated expansible portion 38 is attached to crown 34substantially between opposite ends of visor 36. For example, rightterminal section 40 of expansible portion 38 is partially conjoined tocrown 34 at the right terminal end 42 of visor 36, as generallyillustrated in FIGS. 4 and 6. In the same manner, although notparticularly shown in FIGS. 4-6, the left terminal section of expansibleportion 38 is partially conjoined to crown 34 at the left terminal endof visor 36, respectively.

As generally shown in FIG. 6, elongated expansible portion 38 includesouter peripheral edge 44 which is disposed generally at lower elevationthan front end 35 of crown 34 to allow coverage of the user's ears (FIG.4) and correspondingly greater (than conventional caps) back headportion coverage in inclement weather conditions. When the weatherconditions are fair, elongated expansible portion 38 may be foldedtoward crown 34 along crease 46 (FIG. 6) for later use. Crease 46generally follows the contours of front end 35 of crown 34 (FIG. 6)extending substantially between opposite ends of visor 36.

Alternatively, elongated expansible portion 38 may be partially foldedback or away from crown 34 along crease 46 to cover only the user'sears, as generally illustrated in FIG. 5. In this configuration, visor36 may cover the back head portion of user 32 (FIG. 5). Elongatedexpansible portion 38 may also be folded by the user below or abovecrease 46 (FIG. 6), as needed. Elongated expansible portion 38 may beconfigured to cover partially or fully any desired parts of a user'shead, as needed.

As generally shown in FIG. 6, outer peripheral edge 44 of elongatedexpansible portion 38 has a generally arcuate configuration and servesas a stretchable rear peripheral edge of cap 30. Back end 37 of crownportion 34 generally delineates the upper visible boundary of elongatedexpansible portion 38.

When cap 30 is worn by users with various head sizes, elongatedexpansible portion 18 stretches accordingly to accommodate comfortablythe same regardless of whether visor 36 is placed on the front (FIG. 4)or back (FIG. 5) of the head of user 32. Cap 30 automatically adjustsitself to a particular user's head size and provides, generally, asuperior fit for the user when compared with conventional caps. Cap 30also affords ear protection as well as extended back head portioncoverage to the user during the winter months.

Expansible portion 18 (FIGS. 1-3) and/or elongated expansible portion 38(FIGS. 4-6) may be fabricated from woven or knitted flexible materialssuch as cotton, wool, polyester or any combination thereof. In eachconfiguration, the enclosed elastic band may be constructed fromstretchable materials such as Spandex™, Lycra™ and/or the like. Othersuitable materials may be utilized, as needed.

In one exemplary embodiment, the thickness of yarn used to fabricate theexpansible portion of the present invention is 26 S-32 S, 9 pins knittedweight of 20 grams-40 grams, with the elastic band (incorporated withinthe expansible portion) being about ¼ inch-1 inch wide.

In another exemplary embodiment, the thickness of yarn used to fabricatethe expansible portion of the present invention is 26 S-32 S knitted orwoven with rubber Spandex™ of 0.5 mm-0.1 mm in diameter and weight ofabout 30 grams-50 grams. Other material dimensions and/or configurationsmay be used to construct the expansible portion of the presentinvention, as desired.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, a strip of soft, knitted fabric wasused to form expansible portion 18 of cap 10 (FIGS. 1-3). The fabricstrip had unstretched width and length of about 10 cm and 35 cm,respectively, and thickness of about 0.25 cm. The fabric strip wasfolded in half lengthwise to enclose a Spandex™-like elastic band ofsubstantially the same length as the fabric strip and width of about 2cm. The two open ends of the folded fabric strip were then cut toconform to the generally arcuate shape of crown back end 17 (FIGS. 1-3)and stitched hereunder to complete the rear end portion of cap 10. Thecrown had an unstretched footprint diameter of about 17 cm.

A person skilled in the art would readily appreciate that cap 10 or cap30 may be fabricated in other ways and/or with other suitable materials,as long as there is no departure from the intended purpose of thepresent invention. A person skilled in the art would also appreciatethat a cap constructed in accordance with the general principles of thepresent invention provides cost savings to cap manufacturers, as well asimproved fit and comfort for the user in various weather conditions.

The exemplary embodiments described hereinabove are merely illustrativeof the general principles of the present invention. Various designmodifications may be employed that would reside within the scope of theinvention. Thus, by way of example, but not of limitation, alternativeconfigurations may be utilized in accordance with the teachings herein.Accordingly, the drawings and description are illustrative and not meantto be a limitation thereof.

Moreover, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possiblemanner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises”and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements,components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that thereferenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized,or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are notexpressly referenced. Thus, it is intended that the invention cover allembodiments and variations thereof as long as such embodiments andvariations come within the scope of the appended claims and theirequivalents.

1. A cap, comprising a crown being conjoined at a front end with a visorand at a back end with an expansible portion, said expansible portionextending substantially along the entire rear cap periphery and beingattached to said crown substantially between opposite ends of saidvisor, said expansible portion being configured to resilientlyaccommodate different user head sizes.
 2. The cap of claim 1, whereinsaid expansible portion incorporates an elastic band and has an upperboundary.
 3. The cap of claim 2, wherein said back end of said crown issubstantially arcuate.
 4. The cap of claim 3, wherein said substantiallyarcuate back end of said crown delineates said upper boundary of saidexpansible portion.
 5. A cap, comprising a crown being conjoined at afront end with a visor and at a back end with an expansible portion,said expansible portion extending substantially along the entire rearcap periphery and being attached to said crown substantially betweenopposite ends of said visor, said expansible portion being configured toresiliently accommodate different user head sizes, said expansibleportion including an outer peripheral edge adapted to follow thecontours of said front end of said crown, said outer peripheral edgeresiding substantially in the same plane as said front end of saidcrown.
 6. The cap of claim 5, wherein said expansible portionincorporates an elastic band and has an upper boundary.
 7. The cap ofclaim 6, wherein said back end of said crown is substantially arcuate.8. The cap of claim 7, wherein said substantially arcuate back end ofsaid crown delineates said upper boundary of said expansible portion. 9.The cap of claim 8, wherein said outer peripheral edge of saidexpansible portion serves as a stretchable rear peripheral cap edge. 10.A cap, comprising a crown being conjoined at a front end with a visorand at a back end with an elongated expansible portion, said elongatedexpansible portion extending substantially along the entire rear capperiphery and being attached to said crown substantially betweenopposite ends of said visor, said elongated expansible portion beingconfigured to resiliently accommodate different user head sizes, saidelongated expansible portion including an outer peripheral edge beingdisposed at a lower elevation than said front end of said crown.
 11. Thecap of claim 10, wherein said elongated expansible portion incorporatesan elastic band and has an upper boundary.
 12. The cap of claim 11,wherein said back end of said crown is substantially arcuate.
 13. Thecap of claim 12, wherein said substantially arcuate back end of saidcrown delineates said upper boundary of said elongated expansibleportion.
 14. The cap of claim 13, wherein said lower elevationaldisposition of said outer peripheral edge is configured to allow atleast partial coverage of the user's ears by said elongated expansibleportion.
 15. The cap of claim 14, wherein said elongated expansibleportion is adapted to be folded substantially toward said crown along afirst crease.
 16. The cap of claim 15, wherein said first crease isadapted to follow the contours of said front end of said crown.
 17. Thecap of claim 16, wherein said elongated expansible portion is adapted tobe folded substantially away from said crown along said first crease tocover at least a portion of user's ears.
 18. The cap of claim 17,wherein said elongated expansible portion is adapted to be foldedrelative to said crown below said first crease.
 19. The cap of claim 17,wherein said elongated expansible portion is adapted to be foldedrelative to said crown above said first crease.
 20. The cap of claim 14,wherein said elongated expansible portion is adapted to be foldedrelative to said crown along at least one crease to provide at leastpartial coverage of the user's head.
 21. The cap of claim 14, whereinsaid outer peripheral edge is substantially arcuate.
 22. The cap ofclaim 21, wherein said substantially arcuate outer peripheral edge ofsaid elongated expansible portion serves as a stretchable rearperipheral cap edge.
 23. The cap of claim 1, wherein said expansibleportion is fabricated from at least one woven flexible material.
 24. Thecap of claim 1, wherein said expansible portion is fabricated from atleast one knitted flexible material.
 25. The cap of claim 5, whereinsaid expansible portion is fabricated from at least one woven flexiblematerial.
 26. The cap of claim 5, wherein said expansible portion isfabricated from at least one knitted flexible material.
 27. The cap ofclaim 10, wherein said expansible portion is fabricated from at leastone woven flexible material.
 28. The cap of claim 10, wherein saidexpansible portion is fabricated from at least one knitted flexiblematerial.
 29. The cap of claim 2, wherein said elastic band isfabricated from Spandex™.
 30. The cap of claim 5, wherein said elasticband is fabricated from Spandex™.
 31. The cap of claim 11, wherein saidelastic band is fabricated from Spandex™.